William Eichler 11 March 2016

Government should lead the way in encouraging whistleblowers, report says

The Government must do more to create the right environment for public sector whistleblowers to come forward, a new report says.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed its concern over the fact the Cabinet Office was ‘unable to provide any evidence about which departments were performing well, and which were lagging behind’ when it comes to encouraging people to blow the whistle on public sector malpractice.

Meg Hillier MP, chair of the PAC, highlighted the importance of whistleblowing.

‘Whistleblowers,’ she said, ‘are on the frontline of defence against wrongdoing and bad practice. They have a vital role to play in the day-to-day accountability of public spending and public service.’

The PAC report, however, stated it was ‘disappointed by the lack of urgency shown [by the Government] in dealing with this important topic’.

It accused Whitehall of focusing on policy and process, and claimed the Government was failing to create a culture that would encourage people to voice their worries about practices in the public sector.

In the past there have been occasions — such as with the case of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham - where whistleblowers were silenced and a culture of complicity prevented people from coming forward.

Ms Hillier MP said: ‘Whistleblowing policies are too important to get wrong and the Government should be leading by example. The fact that it isn’t should concern us all.’

She continued: ‘Our Committee wants to see universal measures put in place now to encourage whistleblowers to come forward, secure in the knowledge they will be supported and treated fairly throughout the process.

‘There is little doubt that in the past potential whistleblowers will have been deterred by the shoddy treatment experienced by others. It is not beyond the scope of Government to change that, in its own workplaces and beyond.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HR Onboarding Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
You have an opportunity to be part of a busy Human Resources team which offers HR support across the Council. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner